N0. 7 Softball Opens Season With JoAnne Graf Classic

TALLAHASSEE - The No. 7 Florida State softball team kicks off its 2026 season this week with five games at the JoAnne Graf Classic at the Seminole Softball Complex. FSU will open the season with Samford on Thursday night at 6 p.m. The Noles will then face Iowa at 5:30 p.m. on Friday before a doubleheader with Marshall at 3 p.m. on Saturday. FSU will close out the tournament with a game against UConn at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning. All games can be seen on ACCNX. Single-game tickets are still available at seminoles.com/tickets. Sunday's game against UConn is free to the public and all seating will be general admission.

Seminoles Begin 2026 Campaign with Annual JoAnne Graf Classic

The No. 7 Florida State Seminoles begin its 2026 season in the friendly confines of JoAnne Graf Field this week for the JoAnne Graf Classic. The Noles will face Samford, Iowa and Marshall.
Samford was 33-23 last season and finished 12-7 in the SOCON. Samford was outscored 59-15 against Power Four teams last season and went 0-7 against Power Four teams.
Iowa finished 35-18 last season and was 15-7 in Big Ten play but fell in the opening game of the Big Ten Tournament and failed to make the NCAA Tournament.
Marshall was 31-23 in 2025 and 15-9 in the Sun Belt but fell in the first round of the Sun Belt Tournament.
UConn secured its first Big East Championship since 2001 last season and earned a spot in the Baton Rouge Regional where it ultimately fell to Nebraska and LSU. UConn finished the season 35-19 and 18-6 in Big East play.
FSU has hosted the JoAnne Graf Classic every year since 2019. FSU holds a 29-5 record at the JoAnne
Graf Classic.
Coach Graf coached 30 seasons at Florida State. Graf won over 1,400 games, was a six-time ACC Coach of the Year, made 21 NCAA Tournament appearances and seven Women's College World Series and won back-to-back AIAW National Championships in 1981 and 1982.

Noles' History Against the Field

FSU has a combined record of 52-7 against the three teams in the JoAnne Graf Classic.
FSU and Samford last met in 2019 at the Unconquered Invitational and the Noles dominated in two wins, outscoring the Bulldogs 26-1 in two games.
The Noles and Hawkeyes haven't met since 2009. FSU has won the past four matchups against Iowa.
FSU and Marshall have met just five times with FSU winning all five matchups. Marshall has scored just one run against the Seminoles in the five matchups.
FSU is 27-4 all-time against UConn but have not played the Huskies since 2010. FSU has won the last 14 matchups against the Huskies.

Noles at a Glance

Coming off another NCAA Super Regional appearance, the Noles have plenty of reasons for optimism as they begin the 2026 season.
FSU returns two NFCA All-Americans in Isa Torres (First Team) and Kennedy Harp (Second Team). Torres and Harp have the second-highest combined batting average of returning players in college softball. Torres (.436) and Harp (.412) hit a combined .424 last season. The only duo to have a higher batting average was Jordy Frahm (.462) and Ava Kuszak (.412) at Nebraska
In the circle, the Noles return the top pitching duo in the ACC in Jazzy Francik and Ashtyn Danley. Francik (1.51) and Danley (1.60) had the two-lowest ERAs in the ACC and have the lowest combined ERA of any returning duo in college softball.
FSU is one of two programs in the Power Four to not have a transfer on its roster. Virginia is the only other P4 team to not have a transfer on its roster.
FSU brings in nine true freshmen, and the class was ranked the No. 3 overall class by On3. Bella Ruggiero is also a redshirt freshman who was the No. 13 overall player by On3.
The Noles had an ACC-leading five players on the All-ACC Team as Jaysoni Beachum, Ashtyn Danley, Jazzy Francik, Kennedy Harp and Isa Torres were all named to the team.

Noles' Offense Looking to Be One of Nation's Best Once Again

FSU has only been known for its success in the circle, but the offense has been one of the nation's best the past couple of seasons.
In 2025, FSU finished in the top 10 in the country in batting average, hits, RBI, runs per game and triples.
FSU scored the fourth-most runs in school history last season and had the fourth-most hits in school history. The Noles also hit the third-most home runs in school history last season.
The Noles return its top two hitters in Isa Torres and Kennedy Harp and return three players (Torres, Harp, Beachum) who had 45 or more RBI last season.

Nothing New: Noles Expecting Great Success in the Circle

Once again, FSU and head coach Lonni Alameda are expecting big things in the circle once again.
The Noles bring back the top pitching duo in the ACC and the country in Jazzy Francik and Ashtyn Danley.
Last season, FSU held a 2.20 team ERA which was first in the ACC and sixth in the entire country.
FSU allowed just 92 walks last season which was the fifth least in the country.
Francik and Danley have the lowest combined ERA of any returning duo that pitched at least 90 innings in 2025. Francik held a 1.51 ERA and Danley held a 1.60 ERA which were the two lowest ERAs in the ACC.
FSU also returns 2023 Second Team All-ACC performer Makenna Reid. Reid posted a 1.81 ERA in 27 innings but is fully healthy in 2026 and is looking for a breakout season.
FSU brings in three freshmen pitchers in Bella Dimitrijevic, Marlee Gaskell and Averi Dockery.
Dimitrijevic is a two-time Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year and was ranked a top 10 pitcher and the No. 21 overall player by On3.
Gaskell comes in after being named the MaxPreps Player of the Year in the state of Virginia and was ranked the No. 4 pitcher in the class by Extra Innings Softball.
Averi Dockery is a two-way player from Hilltown, Pennsylvania, who will provide some depth for the Noles' pitching staff as well.

The Core: FSU's Junior Class Looking to Add to Success

Lonni Alameda's 2023 recruiting class has hit at a high rate with Jaysoni Beachum, Angelee Bueno, Ashtyn Danley, Mimi Gooden, Kennedy Harp and Isa Torres.
The six players have combined for three NFCA All-America honors, six All-ACC honors and one NFCA Freshman of the Year award.
The six players have combined to make 451 starts for the Garnet and Gold in two seasons.

Torres Proving to be the Top Shortstop in the Country

Isa Torres has become one of the most recognizable names in college softball and has proven to be the top shortstop in all of softball.
Torres was ranked the top shortstop by both D1Softball and Softball America in the preseason.
Torres had a record season in 2025 as she broke the FSU record with a .436 batting average.
Along with her efficiency at the plate, Torres hit nine home runs and drove in 45 runs.
Maybe the most impressive stat in Torres' 2025 season was that she struck out just five times in 218 at bats.
Torres tallied 95 hits in 2025 which was the third most in FSU history.
Torres was a Top 10 Finalist for the USA Softball Player of the Year award and was a unanimous Preseason All-American.
Defensively, Torres made countless jaw-dropping plays last season and committed just nine errors in 188 chances.

Kennedy Harp Ready to Go and Looking for Another Big Season

Kennedy Harp came onto the scene in a big way in 2025, but her season was cut short due to a season-ending knee injury on April 27 but is back and ready to go for the 2026 season.
In 49 games, Harp hit .412 with nine home runs and 49 RBI with a .765 slugging percentage.
Harp added 10 triples which was the third-most in FSU history and the most in the country.
Harp broke the school record for most consecutive games with an RBI as Harp recorded a RBI in her first 10 games to start the 2025 season.

Francik Ready to Build Off Great Freshman Season

Jazzy Francik came onto the scene last season in the circle and looks to be one of the next great FSU pitchers.
Francik finished 2025 with a 1.51 ERA which was the lowest ERA in the ACC and the lowest ERA of any freshman in the country.
Francik finished with a 10-3 record and pitched 92.2 innings.
Francik recorded eight saves which was a freshman record at FSU and the second-most in school history.
Francik struck out 87 batters and surrendered just 19 walks and held opponents to just a .191 batting average.
Francik allowed just 14 extra base hits in 2025.
On May 3, 2025, Francik threw the first ever no-hitter against Virginia Tech. It was also the first no-hitter by a FSU true freshman since Lacey Waldrop in 2012.

Danley Ready to Take Another Step in Junior Season

The past two seasons, Ashtyn Danley has taken the reins as a leader in the circle for the Seminoles and has not disappointed.
In two seasons with the Garnet and Gold, Danley holds a 32-8 record and a 2.40 ERA in 247.1 innings.
Danley made a huge jump between her freshman and sophomore seasons in the circle as she posted a 1.60 ERA last season after a 3.20 ERA in her freshman season.
Danley's 1.60 ERA last season ranked 11th in the country and was second behind Francik in the ACC.
In her last seven appearances of 2025, Danley allowed just one earned run over the course of 20.1 innings.
Danley also saw more time in the batter's box last season was great for FSU as she hit .386 in 70 at bats with two home runs and 14 RBI.

Beachum Looks to Continue to be One of Nation's Most Dangerous Bats

Jaysoni Beachum has become one of the nation's most dangerous bats in all of the country and hopes to take another leap in her junior season.
In two seasons, Beachum holds a .361 batting average with 27 home runs and 111 RBI.
After winning the NFCA Freshman of the Year award in 2024, Beachum's numbers took a dip, but she was still very effective as she hit 11 home runs and 45 RBI.
In her freshman season, Beachum hit .417 which is the fourth-best mark in FSU history.
Also in her freshman campaign, Beachum broke the freshman record with 66 RBI and the second-most home runs by a freshman with 16.

Shelby McKenzie Looks to Keep Momentum into 2026

Sophomore Shelby McKenzie came on strong at the end of her freshman campaign in 2025.
After playing first base last season, McKenzie is anticipated to play in the outfield this season.
At the plate, McKenzie hit .371 in 62 at bats with two home runs and 21 RBI.
McKenzie recorded a hit in 12 out of her last 15 games to end the 2025 season.
McKenzie was phenomenal in the postseason. In seven postseason games, Mckenzie recorded seven RBI and hit two home runs. McKenzie was also the only Nole to have a hit in both games in the Super Regional against Texas Tech.

Makenna Reid Hoping to Make her Final Season the Best

After coming onto the scene as a freshman, Makenna Reid has battled injuries the past two seasons but is back and healthy and ready for a big season in 2026.
Last season, Reid held a 1.81 ERA in 27 innings with a 3-2 record.
In her final eight appearances of 2025, Reid allowed just two earned runs in 19.1 innings.
In three seasons, Reid holds a 2.15 ERA in 195.2 innings with an astounding 28-3 record and seven saves.

Another Top Rated Freshman Class Ready to Make an Instant Impact

Lonni Alameda has been one of the top high school recruiters in the country for several years now and this year's freshman class looks to be no different.
Alameda brings in nine true freshmen that was ranked the No. 3 overall class by On3.
The nine true freshman are the most under a Coach Alameda team at FSU and the most at FSU since 1988.
In four out of the last five seasons, FSU has had at least had one true freshman make an All-ACC Team
The Noles bring in Hayley Griggs, Marlee Gaskell, Makenna Sturgis, Averi Dockery, Marin Heller, Harlie Chism, Bella Dimitrijevic, Danika Spinogatti and Anna Hinde.
The Noles are expecting to get immediate production from Griggs, Heller, Bella Dimitrijevic, Hinde and Sturgis.
Hayley Griggs was ranked the No. 6 overall player by On3 in the 2024 class. Griggs was also named the 2025 Gatorade Player of the Year in Ohio. Griggs is expected to battle for a spot in FSU's infield.
Marlee Gaskell was ranked the No. 4 overall pitcher by Extra Innings Softball and the No. 21 overall player by Line Drive Softball.
Marin Heller is expected to make a push to be a starter in the Seminoles' infield after a very strong summer and fall. Heller hails from West Des Moines, Iowa.
Bella Dimitrijevic was a two-time Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year and was ranked the No. 8 pitcher and No. 21 overall player in the class by On3. In her senior season, Dimitrijevic pitched 147.2 innings and held a 0.43 ERA.
The Noles are also expecting big things from Anna Hinde who was ranked the No. 2 overall player in the class by MaxPreps, Extra Inning Softball and Line Drive Media. Hinde was the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year and in her senior season, Hinde hit .679 with seven home runs and 28 RBI while drawing 31 walks.

JoAnne Graf Continues to Be One of the Toughest Places to Play

JoAnne Graf has proven time and time again to be one of the toughest places to play in all of college softball.
Since 2019, FSU is 166-27 at JoAnne Graf Field.
FSU went 21-5 last season at JoAnne Graf Field.

Noles to Be Challenged Early and Often

Per usual, the Noles will be challenged early and often in the schedule.
During the month of February, FSU will play six games against top 25 opponents which include No. 1 Texas Tech, No. 4 Tennessee, No. 10 UCLA, No. 16 Alabama and No. 23 Liberty.
In total, FSU will play 15 total games against teams ranked in the preseason top 25.

Noles Picked to Win the ACC; Five Noles on Preseason All-ACC Team

The Florida State softball team was picked to win the ACC for the 12th time in the last 13 seasons.
Jaysoni Beachum, Ashtyn Danley, Jazzy Francik, Kennedy Harp and Isa Torres were all named to the Preseason All-ACC Team.
FSU's five selections on the Preseason All-ACC Team were the most in the conference. No other team had more than three selections.

Noles Take Trip Across the Pond

In August of 2025, FSU Softball took its first ever international trip as the Noles headed across the pond.
The Noles did some sightseeing around London and also took a day trip to Paris, France.
The Seminoles also continued to grow the game on an international level as the Noles held a youth camp along with the London Mets. The Noles also scrimmaged against the London Mets.
The trip was especially special for sophomore pitcher Jazzy Francik. Francik's grandparents are from England and her mom was born in Europe. Francik is a member of the Great Britain National Team.

For updates and exclusive content, follow the Seminoles on X (FSU_Softball), Instagram (fsusoftball) and Facebook (Florida State Seminoles Softball).

N0. 7 Softball Opens Season With JoAnne Graf Classic

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Jaysoni Beachum

Angelee Bueno

Harlie Chism

Ashtyn Danley

Bella Dimitrijevic

Averi Dockery

Jazzy Francik

Marlee Gaskell

Mimi Gooden

Hayley Griggs

Kennedy Harp

Marin Heller

Anna Hinde

Shelby McKenzie

Makenna Reid

Bella Ruggiero

Danika Spinogatti

Makenna Sturgis

Isa Torres

Florida State University Athletics

N0. 7 Softball Opens Season With JoAnne Graf Classic

Related News

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Jaysoni Beachum

Angelee Bueno

Harlie Chism

Ashtyn Danley

Bella Dimitrijevic

Averi Dockery

Jazzy Francik

Marlee Gaskell

Mimi Gooden

Hayley Griggs

Kennedy Harp

Marin Heller

Anna Hinde

Shelby McKenzie

Makenna Reid

Bella Ruggiero

Danika Spinogatti

Makenna Sturgis

Isa Torres

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